Java meshing tool for sphere arrangements

A tool for meshing sphere arrangements was programmed in order to perform finite element calculations. Sphere arrangements are investigated in frame of the feasibility study of the sphere-pac nuclear fuel. One major concern of this study is the thermal conductivity of the arrangement. Further concerns are the mechanical behavior and sintering of the fuel. The thermal conductivity of the fuel was addressed with the computer code SPACON based on a unit cell approach and a radial heat flow experiment. However, a further approach using the finite element method is desirable, in order to better understanding the thermal flow through the package and to cross check with SPACON data and with experimental data. Also the mechanical behavior of the fuel could be addressed using the finite element technique. (author)